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Steps

Method1

Pouch with a Flap

1

Start out with a piece of fabric about three times as long as you want the pouch to be tall. You'll need two-thirds for the pouch and about another third for the flap. You'll also need a needle, thread that matches the fabric and a button or snap.

2

Fold the fabric right sides together, leaving the flap alone. Start sewing, whether with a machine or by hand, along the edge, making sure you're stitching both sides together. It's okay if it's a little messy, because this will be flipped inside-out later.

3

Cut slits a tiny bit into the edge of the flap and fold them in, pinning the new flaps in place. Now sew the tiny flaps onto the big flap. Before you do this, you might want to cut the flap to any size and shape you want, and then hem it. Make sure you sew the tiny flaps onto the wrong side so they won't show later.

4

Flip the pouch inside out, so you can see the beautiful pattern that you chose.

5

Add a button or snap to keep it closed. Then add the strap see Method 3 below for instructions on making the strap, then Method 4 for packing it.

Method2

Simple Pouch

1

Get a piece of fabric about twice the length you want your purse to be tall. Also gather a needle and thread that matches your pattern, as well as snaps, buttons or a zipper.

2

Position the fabric wrong sides together and sew up the sides, making sure you sew both sides. Flip the pouch right side out.

3

Sew on buttons for closing the pouch. Cut slits (buttonholes) for them to come through. Alternatively, stitch on snaps or sew on a zipper.

4

You're finished! You can use a pouch for pencils and school supplies, but you can add a strap and it can be anything. Instructions for adding a strap follow.

Method3

Adding the Strap

1

Cut a piece of fabric as long as you need the strap to be. Have it match the pattern of your pouch, preferably stretchy and about 5 inches (12.5cm) wide.

2

Fold the fabric wrong sides together. Sew along the long edge, transforming it into a tube.

3

Clip a safety pin onto one side of the fabric on one end of the tube, and drop it into the tube itself. Scrunch up the fabric and move the pin through the tube until it pokes out the other end, then pull it out, bringing the fabric with it and folding the tube right side out.

4

Sew the tube onto any part of your pouch as a strap. If you need a waist pouch, sew the tube onto the sides of your pouch and make it about the size of your waist. If you need a cross-body bag, sew the tube onto the top and sling it over your shoulder. You choose!

Method4

Packing the Bag

1

Pack your supplies. The suggested supplies that could go in a pouch are as follows: